-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Maps-L Re: Price for USGS Topo Maps Rises Gently
Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:53:11 -0400
From: Russell Guy <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
A couple of comments on the USGS price increase. The price-increase
notice that I received from the USGS Business Partners Program said
that 1:24,000, 1:25,000, and Alaska 1:63,360 sheets will rise from $6
to $8. 1:100,000 and 1:250,000 and smaller scale maps, such as the
1:500,000 state topographic maps, will rise from $7 to $9 per
sheet. National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) maps will
increase from $10 to $12 per sheet.
The price of many large-format geology maps is also rising, in some
cases significantly. Many of the large-format and low-volume sellers
are being converted to print-on-demand, which is being priced by the
square foot, which often runs $5/sq. ft. Thus a 3-sheet state
geology map may exceed $60 or $70. In the past discounts have not
been available for print-on-demand maps and there was no mention of a
change in this policy on the USGS price increase notice. We learned
this the hard way when we were billed $36 net price for the Rocky
Mts. National Park Geology Map; an item that on our previous order
had been a $7 retail item.
While I understand the financial reasons for moving to print on
demand, I hate to see it happen for USGS topo maps. For anyone with
poor eyesight, reading elevation numbers on a print-on-demand topo
can be extremely difficult, as the numbers are often quite blurry,
due to ink bleeding into the paper. It can be even worse on geology
maps when you are trying to read base map information through the
geology information overprint.
Cheers
Russell Guy
At 02:55 PM 3/17/2009, you wrote:
> Price for USGS Topo Maps Rises Gently
>Released: 3/16/2009 6:30:00 AM
>http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2162
>
>Contact Information:
>U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
>Office of Communication
>119 National Center
>Reston, VA 20192 Jon Campbell <mailto:[log in to unmask]> 1-click
>interview
><http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/interview.asp?e=joncampbell%40usgs%2Egov&n=Jon%2BCampbell>
>
>Phone: 703-648-4180
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>The price of the popular USGS 1:24,000 scale topographic quadrangle map
>- often called a "topo" or a "quad" - will go up $2 per sheet to $8
>beginning today March 16, 2009. Larger format ("poster") maps will go up
>$3 per sheet to $10. These prices were last increased 7 years ago.
>
>"The USGS takes this action reluctantly," said Kevin Gallagher,
>Associate Director of the Geospatial Information Office. "However,
>recent studies indicated that previous map prices did not allow us to
>sufficiently recover the actual costs of reproduction and distribution
>as we are charged to do by longstanding Office of Management and Budget
>guidance under Circular A-130."
>
>The U.S. Geological Survey began a systematic program of topographic
>mapping in 1884 as an aid to scientific studies in geology and
>hydrology. Since then, the maps have become a signature product of USGS
>because the public has found them to be a valuable tool for accurately
>depicting the land
>surface.
>
>"Even at the new prices, these maps are still a great bargain
>considering the wealth of geographic information they provide,"
>Gallagher added.
>
>The nation is covered by more than 57,000 detailed USGS topographic maps
>that show the shape and elevations of terrain and delineate a wide range
>of natural features and built structures. USGS maps are particularly
>useful for natural resource managers, planners, engineers, and outdoor
>enthusiasts. During natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and
>earthquakes, thousands of USGS map sheets are typically rushed to the
>area overnight to assist emergency agencies in response and recovery
>efforts.
>
>The USGS sells its maps and other cartographic products in various
>formats from its distribution center in Denver, Colo. Paper maps are
>principally sold through a nationwide network of business partners in
>the private sector who help to ensure that USGS maps are available
>everywhere on the landscape. Information about where and how to
>purchase USGS maps is available at the USGS Store
><http://store.usgs.gov/>.
>
>The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information
>to: describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and
>property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy and
>mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.
*******************************************************************************
Russell Guy [log in to unmask]
Omnimap.com http://www.omnimap.com/maps.htm
International Map Specialists Tel.: 800-742-2677 (USA only)
P.O. Box 2096 Tel.: 336-227-8300 (International)
1004 South Mebane St. Fax: 336-227-3748
Burlington, NC 27216-2096 USA
Past President (1996), International Map Trade Association
Founding Member, Independent Travel Stores Association
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